Commonwealth Ombudsman

23rd March 2025

Dear Ombudsman,

I am writing to bring to your attention the serious health concerns I have been experiencing, which I believe are directly linked to the exposure of my father, William Christopher Pitcher, to Agent Orange during his service in the 17th Construction Squadron in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. My father passed away on 4 March 2015 due to conditions presumed to be related to his Agent Orange exposure.

I am a second-generation family member of a Vietnam veteran, and I have been experiencing a range of health issues that I believe may be a result of my father’s exposure to Agent Orange. Despite these health concerns, I have encountered significant challenges in receiving appropriate recognition and compensation.

I am currently suffering from the following conditions:

1. Peripheral Neuropathy

2. Degenerative Disc Disease

3. Musculoskeletal Disorders

4. PTSD

5. Severe Osteoarthritis

6. Ovarian Dermoid Tumor

7. Neurological Disorder (Potentially MS)

These conditions have caused significant pain and suffering, and I am seeking support to ensure that they are acknowledged and properly addressed by the relevant authorities.

My primary concern is that I was not made aware of the risks to my health due to Agent Orange exposure until December 2024. I have never received any communication or information from either the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) or the Department of Defence regarding my father’s exposure to Agent Orange or the potential risks this poses to my health as a second-generation family member.

This lack of information and guidance from both the DVA and the Department of Defence is concerning, as I have not been informed of the possible health implications for years. As a result, I have not had the opportunity to seek medical advice or take preventative measures earlier, which I believe constitutes a failure of duty of care by the Department of Defence and other relevant authorities.

Despite my attempts to engage with the DVA and other organizations, I have received minimal support and inadequate responses. It has become evident that second-generation family members are not being given the attention or resources they need to address the long-term health impacts of Agent Orange exposure.

I am requesting that your office:

1. Investigate the lack of communication from both the DVA and Department of Defence regarding the risks of Agent Orange exposure to second-generation family members.

2. Assist in ensuring that the DVA and relevant authorities take appropriate action to recognize my health issues and provide necessary medical support, compensation, and entitlements.

3. Advocate for a TPI Pension, Gold Health Card, and compensation for second-generation families of veterans who have been affected by Agent Orange exposure.

Given the considerable time that has passed since my father’s service and the subsequent delays in providing adequate care and recognition, I am deeply concerned about the lack of assistance and the ongoing suffering for myself and others in similar situations.

I trust that your office will consider this matter with the seriousness it deserves, and I look forward to your prompt response and intervention in ensuring that second-generation families receive the support they are entitled to.

Thank you for your time and consideration.